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5 Reasons to Connect with a Medicare Advantage Advisor

Posted December 05, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer


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Choosing a Medicare Advantage healthcare plan can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. Rather than going it alone, connect with a Medicare Advantage advisor who can walk you through your options and help you choose the plan that’s right for you. 

Already have coverage? Medicare Advantage advisors can help you better understand your plan plus offer tips on ways to use your benefits to their fullest potential. 

Think of your Medicare Advantage advisor as a Medicare Advantage “consultant” who is available and ready to help sort out plan information at no cost to you. They have an in-depth understanding of Medicare Advantage materials and are required to complete regular trainings each year. This ensures Medicare Advantage advisors remain up-to-date on Medicare rules and regulations, as well as plan details and changes — so you don’t have to. 

Medicare Advantage advisors can help take the stress out of Medicare planning, so you can be confident that you have the best coverage to fit your needs. Still not convinced you need one? SummaCare is here with 5 more reasons you should connect with a Medicare Advantage advisor today. You’ll get:

Assistance in choosing (or switching to) a personalized Medicare Advantage plan

Medicare Advantage plan selection is not one-size-fits-all. People pick plans for a variety of personal reasons. Medicare Advantage advisors can discuss your current healthcare needs and suggest plans that meet those needs—and the needs of your budget.

Medicare Advantage advisors can help you explore your options and compare plans by explaining differences in coverage, costs, provider networks and more, so you can make an informed decision. 

But, Medicare Advantage advisors are not only for people new to Medicare. Maybe you need prescription coverage to help save on medication costs, or you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic condition and your new doctor or facility is not in your current plan. 

If you’re looking to switch plans, they can check your eligibility and guide you through the process of transitioning into a new plan that better meets your healthcare needs. 

Savings in both time and money

There are many Medicare Advantage options available, and it can be time consuming — if not overwhelming — to find the right one for you. That’s where Medicare Advantage advisors can help. They can save you time researching plans and streamlining the process to find a plan that’s right for your personal needs and situation. 

They also may be able to save you money by helping you find the most cost-effective plan for your needs. They can help you put together a cost-effective plan by finding options with lower premiums, copays and deductibles, while making sure it offers enough coverage for your situation. This means you get coverage that meets your needs without paying for unnecessary features.

Guidance through the enrollment process

Once you find a plan to join, Medicare Advantage advisors can help you enroll. They can help you fill out forms and prepare for deadlines, so you have peace of mind knowing you’re submitting everything correctly. 

Help with understanding your benefits 

Just as Medicare Advantage advisors can help you find the right plan, they also can help you understand your coverage. If you have questions about benefits or aren’t sure how to use them, they’re here to answer your questions, such as:

  • Is my doctor or facility in-network?
  • Are the prescription drugs I take covered?
  • Do I get a free gym membership with my plan?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions that may seem obvious. Medicare Advantage advisors are happy to answer each question you ask—especially, since some “obvious” questions have answers that aren’t obvious at all!

Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, it’s a good idea to review your plan benefits with a Medicare Advantage advisor every year. Medicare Advantage plan benefits can change annually, such as costs, coverage and prescription drug formularies.

Assurance that you’re maximizing your current coverage

To keep your health in shape, it’s important to get the most out of your plan. Medicare Advantage advisors can not only help you fully understand your plan, but they also can offer tips to use your benefits to their fullest potential. 

For example, did you know you’re eligible for a wellness screening at no cost every year? Medicare Advantage members can get their blood pressure and cognitive function checked, as well as many other tests to ensure they stay healthy. Well beyond that, you also can have your bone density, cardiovascular health and even risk for cancer assessed. 

Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer a wealth of wellness benefits, such as SilverSneakers® memberships, health coaching, transportation, alternative medicine, in-home services and more. 

How to connect with a Medicare Advantage advisor

You can speak or have a live chat with a Medicare Advantage advisor through the Medicare Support Hotline by calling 800.633.4227 (TTY 877.486.2048), 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You also can contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 800.686.1578 for personalized health insurance counseling at no cost. 

SummaCare’s Medicare Advantage advisors are also available to help you find and join the right plan. You can schedule a one-on-one health plan review by calling 888.469.1010 (TTY 711). From October 1 through March 31, a representative will be available to take your call from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., seven days a week.

There’s no need to stress over Medicare. Your Medicare Advantage advisor can help you through the process, from researching plans to enrolling to maximizing your benefits — all at no cost to you! Material ID# H3660_SC1488_C 12032024.
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